Arab Turkish Travel Magazine May 2013

A&T

Arab & Turkish

Trave Magazine MAY 2013

www.arabturkishtravel.com

Olympic city Istanbul

A Tour in the Heart of Istanbul

Environs of Aegean Region Travel News from Arab Countries Algeria

Morocco

Bahrain

Oman

Comoros

Palestine

Djibouti

Qatar

Egypt

Saudi Arabia

Iraq

Somalia

Jordan

Sudan

Kuwait

Syria

Tunisia

Lebanon

Turkey

Libya

U.A.E

Mauritania

Yemen

Inside This Issue

10 Cover Story, A Tour in the Heart of Istanbul 18 News From Arab Market 29 Exhibition ATM-Dubai ‘13

MAY 2013

26

ATM-Dubai

29

Turkish Tourism Minister: The situation in Syria has a negative effect on Turkey

6

10

A Tour in the Heart of Istanbul

News From Arab Market

18

Istanbul’s sport concept for the Games in 2020

Lebanon

Palestine

Syria

Algeria

Egypt

Libya

Qatar

Tunisia

Bahrain

Iraq

Mauritania

Saudi Arabia

Turkey

Comoros

Jordan

Morocco

Somalia

U.A.E

Djibouti

Kuwait

Oman

Sudan

Yemen

Arab & Turkish Travel Magazine Prepared by S&M Publication Ltd. ART DIRECTOR: Fatih Tahtalı OFFSET PREPARATION: Repronet Reprodüksiyon FILM&PRINTED: ÖzgürMatbaacılık HEAD OFFICE: S&M PUBLICATION LTD.Muratreis Muradiye Mektep Sokak 13/1 Baglarbasi- 81140 Istanbul-TURKEY Tel:+90.216.391 3795 Fax:+90.216.391 3796 www.arabturkishtravel:com ALL EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES TO suat@arabturkishtravel.com - ozgur@arabturkishtravel.com

4 MAY 2013

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Bridge Together

Istanbul’s plans for a state-of-the-art Olympic city and Olympic Village in 2020 will be the foundation of the 2020 Games’ social and sporting legacy for the city, country and the Olympic Movement.

The bid’s plans for the Olympic Village holds athletes and the Olympic family at its forefront and is totally aligned with the country’s National Sports Plan, which invests some five hundred million US dollars each year into sport engagement programmes. This information was revealed at the bid’s presentation to the IOC Evaluation Commission regarding

Olympic city Istanbul Istanbul to have Olympic city & Olympic Village in 2020 Istanbul’s sport concept for the Games in 2020.

‘L

ast year, Turkey’s government announced a 1.7 billion US dollar investment programme which will deliver 415 community sports facilities and 24 new venues between now and 2020.

These venues will be designed specifically to meet the long-term requirements of our city and its people as the bid continues to promote sport from grassroots to elite level throughout Turkey’s population, which has an enviably large potential audience of 50% under 25 year old, and 20 million under the age of 20. Our bid believes in the ability of sport to bridge cultures, beliefs and traditions - to inspire enduring harmony.” said Istanbul 2020 Director of Sport, Alp Berker.

Chairman of the IOC Evaluation Commission, Sir Craig Reedie and Istanbul 2020 Bid Chairman, Hasan Arat on board the Istoc Metro Line to the Olympic StadiumYoung Istanbul 2020 volunteers greet IOC Vice President and chairman of the IOC Evaluation Commission, Sir Craig ReedieAtaturk Olympic StadiumAtaturk Olympic StadiumSir Craig Reedie, Chairman of the IOC Evaluation

6_May 2013

Commission meets Galatasaray Chairman, Unal AysalChairman of the IOC Evaluation Commission, Sir Craig Reedie and Istanbul 2020 Bid Chairman, Hasan Arat, meet Galatasaray star Didier Drogba, at the Seyrantepe Stadium Istanbul 2020 has been developing the sports and venues programme in full partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic International and National Federations. With the knowledge that athletes spend around 80 per cent of their time training, the Istanbul bid has made plans for a substantial training precinct to be on their doorstep, in the Olympic Village, as well as for a major medical precinct just north of it – meaning that, for the first time, the Games can provide a Recovery Centre for all Olympic and Paralympic athletes at no extra cost to NOCs. Turkish volleyball star, Neslihan Darnel, said, “For Istanbul 2020, there will be ideal conditions for all athletes. The only concern for athletes like me will be simply doing what we do best.

And after 2020, my generation will experience a profound legacy. It will bring us state-of-the-art

facilities to optimise our training, and the best coaches and personnel to help us to be great.

“I love Istanbul, and I love the Olympic Games.

And just as I knew, at a young age, that I wanted to become an Olympian, I know that the Games here in Istanbul 2020 will be a catalyst for greatness, for my people, and for the people of the world”.

The bid’s presentation this morning also focussed on the legacy plans for each of the proposed zones, clusters and venues. These collectively include environmental remediation programmes; residential, retail and commercial facilities; recreational facilities; and public spaces for young people to congregate throughout the city. Plans for the Bosphorus Zone represent the most exciting of the legacy plans, since the Bosphorus, “The fabled stretch of water that unites Asia and Europe and the site of much of Turkey’s rich history”, will be one of the most iconic images of the 2020 Games. The legacy for this zone would include a high impact remediation project that will

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deliver sports and public spaces, as well as an entertainment precinct for the people of Istanbul.

Istanbul 2020 receives positive feedback from IOC The IOC Evaluation Commission concluded its inspection of Istanbul today with a final press conference to over 200 international and Turkish media and declared that they had an “excellent impression” of the Istanbul 2020 bid.

In a press conference at the Four Seasons Bosphorus Hotel, Chairman of the IOC Evaluation Commission, Sir Craig Reedie, said: “The IOC 2020 Evaluation Commission has been very pleased to spend time here in the extraordinary city of Istanbul. We have an excellent impression of the Bid Committee, and we have witnessed the strong support that the bid enjoys from the government, which was highlighted by the presence of President Gül this week. It has been a great pleasure to meet with so many Olympians, Paralympians, athletes and the Bid Committee - we have seen the enthusiasm for the Olympic Games that exists here in Istanbul.”

The IOC press conference was followed by an

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Istanbul 2020 press conference presented by Turkey’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Suat Kılıç; Chairman of the Istanbul 2020 Bid Committee, Hasan Arat; IOC member and President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, Uğur Erdener; Mayor of Istanbul, Kadir Topbaş; CEO of Istanbul 2020, Ali Kiremitçioğlu; President of the National Paralympic Committee of Turkey, Yavuz Kocaömer; and Paralympic archer, Gizem Girişmen.

Turkey’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Suat Kılıç said: “Istanbul has a young population which is excited about the Olympics. We have 11 million people who want the Games to come to Istanbul and 50% of those people are under the age of 25. Istanbul has been vocal about its ambitions for the Olympics. We are a humble city but have a long history as a bridge between different cultures and faiths.”

He went on to emphasise the seniority of the people who had presented to the Evaluation Commission during the visit, including the Ministers of Finance, Tourism and Transport for the theme briefings, along with the President and Prime Minister of Turkey at the official welcome and gala dinner respectively.

Commenting on the IOC Evaluation Commission’s remarks, Chairman of Istanbul 2020, Hasan Arat, said: “We are so grateful to Sir Craig Reedie, Gilbert Felli, and the distinguished members of the IOC Evaluation Commission. This has been an incredible week for us; we have all been so impressed by the diligence, professionalism, and rigorous approach that the IOC Evaluation Commission has taken over these last few days. It has been a wonderful experience and a great learning process on our journey towards hosting the greatest prize of all. Istanbul 2020 is now better equipped than ever to deliver on our promises and on our vision.”

IOC member and President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, Uğur Erdener, said: “As an IOC member and President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, I am particularly proud that, today, Istanbul’s Olympic ambitions received such positive feedback. This has been a long journey to get to this point, and all of Turkey will today feel that we are closer than ever to securing our nation’s first ever Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Evaluation Commission has tested our concept, and asked

May 2013_7

Bridge Together

us many questions. I am sure that the Commission members have felt our passion, commitment and dedication to excellence. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate our fellow bid cities, Madrid and Tokyo, for the continued high standards of their candidature. We look forward to the final months of this exciting race.”

The Mayor of Istanbul, Kadir Topbaş, commented on what hosting the Olympic Games would mean to Istanbul: “The Istanbul 2020 bid has been a long process. Istanbul was to raise its voice and deliver a message of peace. This message has been embedded in us for many years as Istanbul has always been a home to multiple cultures. We want to use sport to continue to deliver our message of peace. It has always been our dream to host the Games; I hope we will have the honour of doing this in 2020.”

8_May 2013

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Cover Story

A Tour in the Heart of Istanbul

A

n often neglected sightseeing route by tourists is that of Pera or Beyoglu, which in fact wields a whole number of historical interest points from churches, historical buildings, picturesque arcades, old Ottoman hans, to bazaars and fine restaurants, all easily visitable in one area over a couple of hours, depending on what takes your fancy.

Pera in the Past Pera, meaning ‘opposite shore’ generally referred to the shore opposite the harbor of the Golden Horn, that of Galata in Byzantine times. During Ottoman times, it came to refer to the section of Taksim between the Square and Tunel with all its residing foreigners. The fortified enclave of lower Galata’s Jewish, Italian and French were to become the later inhabitants of Pera. As the Ottomans opened to trading with the West, it soon necessitated rapid outer expansion into presently day Beyoglu, with the main route named as Grand Rue De Pera. Such a diversity of new coming nations, ethnic groups and cultures was inevitably going to have an impact on the cities appearance and lifestyle. The first embassy was constructed by the French in lower Pera, quickly followed by a host of other nations competing in lavishness, offsetting a whole European scene within the larger Oriental one. In keeping with the Western lifestyle, it remained a realm apart, a minute city of its own, feeding and thriving off its own cultural sphere. It became a stage for exhibiting exclusive fashions, holding glamorous embassy dances and parties…. it was quite possibly one of the most mingled and luxuriant foreign communities in the world. Since the formation of the Turkish Republic in 1923, the Grand Rue the Pera ceased to exist as it was re-named Independence Street, or Istiklal Caddesi. As you walk this grand street, tilt your head and try to envision the building facades in full splendor as they were in the nineteenth century heyday of Pera, the bygone era of fine ladies and elegant gentleman.

10_May 2013

Beyoglu Today Istiklal Caddesi / Grand Rue de Pera The 1.2 km pedestrian street leading from the Square down to Tunel is packed with an arbitrary scattering of music and bookstores, movie theaters and cultural centers, cafes, restaurants and bars, commercial banks and offices, shopping outlets and bazaars, consulates and embassies, churches, historical arcades and passageways. Peddlers and street children engage in their prospective businesses of tissue sales, shoeshine and odd bits and pieces, amid clanging tram bells, blasting

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music shops, and street chatter. It is a public parade for the stylish and high society, and an anonymous lair for the style less, who career in close proximity. Beyoglu nights are for the clubbers and bar-goers, or for those just in search of good food. Weekends see the street swarming with droves of people, which would test anyone’s skills in crowd negotiation.

Hence it is advisable to partake in the business of sightseeing on a weekday to avoid any infuriation. The Jazz Music Festival during the summer and Istanbul Film Festivals in the first week of April take over the area, seeing a large influx of musicians and artists and their audiences.

Taksim Square Setting off from Taksim Square, a central water distribution point of old for all Istanbul, from which it takes its name, water having being taken all the way from Belgrade forest on the Black Sea, is today a noisy and

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May 2013_11

Cover Story

highly congested nexus for traffic and people alike. The Independence Monument stands centrally, revering Ataturk and fellow leaders of the Turkish Independence. Notice the prominent dome of the Aya Triada Kilisesi, Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity overlooking Taksim square. Access is via the first street off left from Istiklal Caddesi called Meselik Sokak.

Enter Istiklal Caddesi and on your right you will pass by the French Embassy, located there since the nineteenth century. It is clearly one of the streets greater landmarks evident by the fact that there is forever a waiting person waiting for someone else to arrive at this 24 hour meeting spot. The renowned Nature & Peace Restaurant, predominantly catering for vegetarians serves wonderfully prepared juicy vegetable and pasta dishes, is located on the left turn-off after Mc Donalds. Continue on the main street and look out for Atlas Pasaji on the left. Entering the passage, one passes through a popular stylish bar on the right, named Sefahathane, where you can enjoy a coffee, cappuccino, or beer at any time of day with Western music and with good service. The bar pre-cedes the Atlas Bazaar, through the entrance at the end, mainly comprising of antiques, carpet shops, ceramic artwork, handicrafts, furniture, calligraphy and jewelry outlets - a miniature grand bazaar in itself and a must-look-at for intrepid shoppers. After a short wander there, head on back down the main street until you come to Cicek Pasaji on

the right. Take a stroll through this famous ‘Flower Passage’, built in the mid nineteenth century, which comes vibrantly alive every evening, resonating under the melodies of live Turkish music. Hosting a number of restaurants nestled cozily all along its cobbled lane, this historical arcade is a popular venue for eaters

12_May 2013

and drinkers. Should you follow Cicek Pasaji around to the left, it exits into the Balik Pazari or Fish Market, a wild passageway pinned with small fastfood eateries, fresh fish and vegetable market stalls, a sprinkling of other arbitrary shops and thronging with passers-by. Heavily scented by wafting spices and sizzling mussels and other fish, blazing in color and displaying a curious accumulation of foodstuffs, make it altogether an interesting walk. The specialized sweet dessert shops further down the passage on the left turn of the passage are well over 100 years old, offer a great selection of luscious sweets. However keep to the main thoroughfare of the passage and you will notice the small turn off on the right to Nevizade Sokak, there

is a whole street spilling over in tables dedicating itself lovingly to the business of the Meyhane, or tavern, in a world of its own. It has got to be one of the most popular Turkish favorites for dining out and is frequented by the young and old, the glib and glitzy alike. Pull up at a table inside or out and order a beverage all touts are very encouraging and the

melon to be eaten slowly with chunky slices of bread. And this is only for starters!

The favorite accompaniment is Turkish Raki - an alcoholic beverage derived from aniseed and mixed with water which actually compliments the mezes wonderfully. The Turks have refined the whole business of eating into an art itself so that the experience is an culinary explosion of tastes and a titillation to the senses which would put even the French to shame….a scoop of yogurt dip or a steaming buttered shrimp, small sip of Raki, a sip of water, a juicy slice of melon, a sip of Raki… and so this intermittent ritual and pleasure taken in eating and drinking goes on over long hours and under good conversation. Fresh fish or a grilled meat usually fulfill the main course and a complimentary fruit salad is often presented at the finale. You may even have the occasion to be serenaded by passing street musicians at the outdoor settings.

Back to the Fish Market, and whether having stopped off at a tavern for a meal or not, exit at the end. Should you follow the street to the left you will see the high walled garden courtyard and an old building in Italian Renaissance Palazzo style, that has been the British Embassy since 1845.

Turn again left at the corner, bearing the highly popular wine bar, Pano, which has been making its very own produce for over 100 years. Veering back in the direction of Istiklal Caddesi, do look out for an easily missable little passage on the left, that is the Avrupa Bazaar, which backs onto the Fish market again. Have a quick look down this pleasant narrow passage housing antique, jewellery and souvenir outlets and glance above at the upper story facades, reminiscent of earlier centuries and lined with a number of posing black statued ladies pre-occupied in their own gesturing motions overlooking the arcade.

Return to the main street you will be directly face to face with the heavy wrought iron gates on the opposite corner that belong to one of Istanbul’s oldest high schools - Galatasaray Lisesi, which offered lectures in French also to children of the affluent society, as this was the lingua-franca of nineteenth century Pera’s

service is attentive from start to finish. It is traditional that the waiter subsequently approaches with an immense tray laden with tantalizing and mouthwatering preliminary cold starters, or mezes. The idea is to select a couple of dishes that appeal to you which are placed center table and are communally shared. A typical meze table might include white cheese, mashed eggplant, fried vegetables, a herby yogurt dip like sazarki, fried shrimps or mussels, and some

media and society. Prior to performing its present day function it also acted as a training ground for the Sultan’s Janissaries, until 1868.

There is an old Turkish bath named Galatasaray Hamami located one street before the high school (coming from Taksim Square) which opened concurrently with the afore mentioned building during the late eighteenth century. If you are not worn out yet an you are still interested in shopping, check out for the small bazaar entrance on the right just as you pass Galatasaray Lisesi, for Aznavur Pasaji . Old lanterns, jewelry, household effects and other

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junk abound here. There is a café upstairs. Just a little further also on the right is the entrance to one of the areas oldest churches, the Pansiyon Isodyon, a Greek Orthodox Church, set in its own courtyard, only open on Sundays. Be sure to have a peek in its windows to see some of the old icons, antiques and mosaics. And you should visit new street just behind the Galatasaray Lisesi, called French street -Fransız Sokagı- and enjoy yourself with modern cafes, bars and restaurants.

Back to Istiklal Caddesi. Continue on down and on your left, turn in under one of the looming arches and through the gate of the Church of St.Antoine to a small and quaint shaded cobbled courtyard. Designed in Italian Gothic style dating from 1913 this red bricked affair replicates its ancestral model having been demolished to make way for Istiklal’s tramway. Franciscan monks inhabit the flanking buildings. Despite a rather unspectacular interior and poorly maintained stained glass windows stemming the walls, the large pillars hosting the vaulted ceiling create an expansive sense of spaciousness beneath, and it is worth a quick peek into. Only the occasional sighing of the old wooden benches are to disturb the peacefulness. Upon your exit, take note of the opposite building with mimicking design.

Should you now retrace your steps a little up the street again, you will come accross a small passage on the left named Danisman Gecidi,

through which you will find a rather pleasant little courtyard and teahouses. Exit through its back archway onto the street beyond, notice the little tea, poker and backgammon parlor on the right filled day and night with gambling elderly men. It is only one of many in Beyoglu backstreets. Cross the street to the promenade and catch a view of over the rather jumbled poorer suburbs cascading from the hilltops and sprawling towards the outer city limits, as far as the eye can see.

Just in front of you will be the famous Pera Palace Hotel, built to accommodate the disembarking passengers of the famed Orient Express train, linking Paris and Constantinople.

A grandiose testament to its prestigious status with an air of antiquity stands the tall green Pera Palace Hotel, overlooking the bountiful Golden Horn. Emanating Victorian style typical of the period, it was erected in 1892 by Georges Nackelmackers. For a dip into its Oriental flavored past, be sure to step inside for a quick walk around. The raw presence of luxurious past residing here is striking. Richly carpeted and high ceilinged, decked in antique furniture, original and antique accessories are preserved on display as they were, contributing to the nostalgia and rendering it comparable to a museum rather than a hotel. Throughout its dynamic history it has played host to many esteemed and affluent guests encompassing the glamorous, the Royal, the politicallyminded, the famous, and even the questionable - from kings and queens to prime ministers, ambassadors, international spies, artists,

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actors, novelists and poets. Agatha Christie, the famous murder mystery novelist notable for her bestseller Murder on the Orient Express, is said to have stayed here and wrote much in the hotels own café, now a Patisserie. Other esteemed guests over the years, to name but a few, include Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis, Julio Iglesias, Greta Garbo, Edward VIII (former King of England)…. Just beside the hotel is the US Embassy occupying an attractive marble palace since 1882. Originally they had rented the building but purchased it 2 decades later along with the neighboring building for a library and cultural center. Standing at the front entrance of Pera Palace, cross the road and take the first turn off left onto Asmali Mescit Sokak, follow it straight ahead and take the second right turn off and you will find yourself in the midst of a really magnificent and picturesque little winding narrow cobbled street, criss-crossed in dangling green vines and ivies dashing against colorfully washed walls of delightful old residences. A small courtyard on its way with wooden tables offer teas and coffees. Follow it to the end and you will step in through the entrance gates of Kahve, a wonderful stop-off for a coffee, or indeed lunch, in cool and artistic outdoor environment, having wandered all this way through the jumbled layers of Beyoglu’s past on tender feet. It is an arty little street arcade in the impressive turn of the century style just opposite the Tunel building. Access is via a large gate; step down into its shaded laneway, which houses some fashionably trendy little coffeehouses set against a backdrop of wall paintings and much leafy greenery sprouting from their pots. There is also a sprinkling of antique and art shops here.

After a rest-stop there, exit the other gate at the end and you will enter Tunel Square. The

large building directly opposite is the entrance to the worlds second oldest underground metro service, fondly named Tunel, and the first and shortest one in Istanbul, built in 1875 by the French. It links the steep hill between lower Karakoy and upper Beyoglu. There are still a few remaining sights of interest up on the last section of Istiklal Caddesi, so from Tunel Square walk around to the left and re-enter the main street. Although located in an apparently shabby building, its delicious finely served Turkish and international cuisine and comfortable interior make up for it. Just on your right on the farther corner is the nineteenth century old Swedish Embassy, graced by a small entrance park with beautiful blooming and budding garden. Now glance immediately to your left opposite the Embassy a bit further on, there is a large peeling ovular building with immense vertical pillars clinging to its facade, quite unusual in its appearance alone, an old Ottoman Han. Inside is the decaying grassy courtyard of this old stop-off point, presumably a bit more colorful and lively in its heyday, but a blissful little nook of tranquillity from the bustling street all the same, where you can take the weight off your feet on an old bench and enjoy a tea served by the little shop by the entrance.

Pass further up the street again and the next embassy on the right is the Russian Embassy, a picturesque pink building in Italianate style set behind its also rather imposing gates, also built by the Fossati brothers. Further on a little and the large gates on the right with ascending flight of steps will take you into one of Beyoglu’s most pleasant and beautiful churches, St. Mary Draperis Church, built in

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Cover Story

1678. Although not much to look out from its exterior, the inside is surprisingly warm and modernly decorated, very unlike an old church, with gentle pastel colors and beautiful stained glass windows. Don’t miss this little gem.

Slightly further on, located off Postacilar Sokak on your right also, is a downward slope which leads to a number of interesting buildings.

Going down this street you will pass the Union Church of Istanbul on the left firstly, then a sharp right turn brings you to the face with the doors of a little Spanish Church. You can decide from this point whether you would like to follow the vicious ascent down the cobbled street on the left (as you will have to return that way) named Tomtom Kaptan Sokak, actually

another highly picturesque little lane, preceding the Palazzo Di Venezia, or Italian Consulate, the longest original survivor over centuries of destructive fires in Beyoglu, and the second foreign nation to lay roots in Beyoglu. Just opposite you can take a glimpse in through the gates of the Maison De France, formerly the French Embassy and indeed the very first one to lay it foundations in Pera and lead its subsequent development. Its grounds also house the very old Chapel of St.Louis. Now you must head back up the way you came to the main street again. Continuing up again there is the Dutch Embassy on the right, currently under restoration set back from the street, built in 1855 by the Swiss Fossati brothers. That finishes the main sights of

14_May 2013

Beyoglu and Pera, and you should now redouble your steps back down to Tunel Square and towards the old quarter of Galata to see the two final interest points.

Going out of Tunel Square, take the narrow

At the onset to the whirl, the hands are held crosswise against the breast at first but successively move up and outwards, the right hand facing the sky symbolizing prayer and the left tuned down, to symbolize a correlation with

street proceeding downhill to the left of Tunel, and just on the left hand side is the entrance to the The Galata Mevlevihane, or Museum of Divine Literature, a formerly active dervish monastery and the first of its kind in Istanbul, where the seven centuries old whirling ritual is still held on the last Sunday of each month to preserve the tradition. An octagonal hall with viewing gallery is the setting for the 2 hour Sema or ceremony. The first hour is led solely by the musical group through a variety of uplifting choral harmonies, lilting melodies and passionate percussion, with particular emphasis on the reed flute accompaniment. The second half sees the solemn entrance of about 15 male and female dervishes clad in black gowns and capped in the unmistakable elongated conical headdress during a deafening silence.

the earth.

The Sema encompasses 4 states or whirling which represent the transition from Gods unknowing servant to one with acquired knowledge and perfection, having achieved this through acquisition of God’s love and truth and the casting off of oneself, thus enabling a spiritual communion with God (nirvana). The bewildering spectacle of endlessly flailing arms and legs and colorful flowing skirts revolving at tremendous speeds, the dervish eyes closed and head bent whirling in unison with the music and in their own communion with God, is truly inspiring and would even make it worthy of changing your holiday dates. Be sure to check out the tombstones in the adjacent small graveyard, each stone capped in the headdress denoting the rank of the deceased.

Head back onto the street and proceed downwards, past the small musical and repair shops, whose shady side-alleys supply some of the cities most infamous brothels by night, but perfectly pleasant during the day, and you will arrive to the famous Galata Tower.

Galata Tower & Galata Quarter Watchtower of the Genoese fortifications dating from 1349, Galata Tower is the only surviving remnant of that colony today and stands an obvious

Following a short meditative time, the dervishes de-gown to reveal their colorful flowing skirts underneath, and the ritualistic walking involving a series of 3 revolutions about the hall follows. Then the real action begins, as each dervish in turn starts to spin off, whirling and revolving around the hall until they are all in a state of unison with each other.

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landmark gracing the sky, rising out of present day Beyoglu, overlooking the Golden Horn and across to the Asian shores. The surrounding quarter nurtured a whole diversity of European ethnic minorities which flourished there in the nineteenth century, among them Armenians, Venetians, Jews, Greeks…and it was from this ever expanding mingled foreign quarter that Pera blossomed and bloomed to its European-ness. This lone foreign colony, virtually on the doorstep of the Golden Horn, was warily regarded by those inhabitants and hence Galata was denoted as ‘Pera’, derived from a Greek word meaning ‘opposite shore’. The concept of that mentality is laughable today when it is the expansive shores of Europe and Asia that are the real opposite shores of today. An interesting tale and seemingly not

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urban myth associated with the Galata Tower tells of how one enthusiastic inventor by name of Hazerfan Ahmet Celebi, clipped two homemade wings to himself in the sixteenth century and leapt off the upper tower environs, successfully gliding all the way across the Bosphorus to the town of Uskudar unscathed, and rendering it one of the first flights. Today it hosts a restaurant and nightclubs but be sure to take a ride up in the towers modern lift and venture outdoors to the panoramic balcony from which there are breathtaking views over the Golden Horn, Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus and the brightly colored tiles of Galata’s own residences.

And what a magnificent viewpoint to finish the tour, particularly at sunset - still on a high, all of Istanbul gloriously spread at your feet, in gold!

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News From Arab Market

Algeria Algeria explores Kingdom’s experience in tourism information and statistics

Tourism Information and Research Center (MAS), the statistical arm of SCTA, has recently organized a workshop on Tourism Statistics in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Traditional Industries of Algeria.

The workshop falls within the promotion of cooperation in the field of tourism between SCTA and the relevant ministries in a number of countries. It also aims to put into effect the resolutions of the 8th session of the Saudi-Algerian’s joint committee, which was formed in Algeria last November.

The Central Department of Statistics and Information participated in the workshop by a team from the National Accounts Department. The team provided a presentation on the national account and its correlation with tourism subaccount in the Kingdom.

The tow-day workshop was held in the headquarters of SCTA in Riyadh and was attended by His Excellency Abdullah bin Salman Al Jehani, Vice-President of SCTA for Marketing and Programs, who welcomed the Algerian delegation, stressing in his speech the importance of enhancing brotherly and cooperation relations between the two countries in the field of tourism, urging for providing all the necessary facilities to develop cooperation efforts between official tourism organizations.

Al Jehani also referred to the necessity of exchanging experience in different areas of tourism and heritage as well as exchanging information, statistics and media material related to tourism sector.

Al Jehani further hoped that the cooperation efforts between the two

parties to cover many other areas including but not limited to, holding seminars, meetings and joint tourist exhibitions between tourism relevant public departments and private organizations, in addition to enhancing coordination efforts between them for attending tourism conferences and workshops that are held and organized by international organizations of which they are members.

For his part, Monzir bin Mohammad Al Ansari, Director General of MAS, stated that, the two sides, Saudi Arabia and Algeria, have agreed on continuing the cooperation efforts and exchanging experiences in the field of tourism information and statistics in addition to benefiting from the experiences in the two countries.

The workshop included a brief on MAS’ efforts in addition to featuring a brief presentation on the tourism statistics and information, tourism researches and studies, tourism geography systems, digital library, database, publishing and information services, introduction to concepts of tourism subaccount, training in how to apply tourism subaccount, application and data source of tourism subaccount in the Kingdom, monitoring inbound, outbound and domestic tourism, monitoring tourism organizations, and material survey for accommodation facilities. Source: SCTA

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Bahrain Bahrain plans major tourism push this year Bahrain is looking to fast forward its tourism proposition this year as the government signs multi-billion dollar transportation infrastructure plans and Manama launches its 2013 Arab Capital of Tourism calendar of events.

The country’s proximity to Saudi Arabia, business pedigree and international sporting and leisure attractions remain key factors in driving future tourism receipts.

The kingdom will have a strong presence at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this year which runs from May 6 to 9 in Dubai.

Major exhibitors include the Culture Ministry, Gulf Hotel and participating for the first time at the ATM, Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa. “Bahrain’s tourism mix covers multiple sectors from business travellers to leisure visitors entering via the King Fahad Causeway, which links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, and international sports fans attending the annual F1 Grand Prix,” said ATM organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions director Mark Walsh.

“It’s exactly this diverse market segmentation that is driving new demand and opportunities, supported by initiatives such as the recently launched 24-hour tourism information hotline.”

According to Alpen Capital’s October 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report, Bahrain’s hospitality market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18.8 per cent between 2011 and 2016. Source: Gulf Daily News, Bahrain

Bahrain travel and tourism sector on track to contribute 17.4% to GDP by 2021

The Kingdom of Bahrain is looking to fast forward its tourism proposition this year as the government signs off on multi-billion dollar transportation infrastructure plans and Manama launches its 2013 Arab Capital of Tourism calendar of events.

The country’s proximity to Saudi Arabia, business pedigree, and international sporting and leisure attractions remain key factors in driving future tourism receipts.

The Kingdom will have a strong presence at ATM this year. Major exhibitors include the Ministry of Culture, Gulf Hotel Bahrain and participating for the first time at ATM, Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa. “Bahrain’s tourism mix covers multiple sectors from business travellers to leisure visitors entering via the King Fahd Causeway, which links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, and international sports fans attending the annual F1 Grand Prix; and it’s exactly this diverse market segmentation that is driving new demand and opportunities, supported by initiatives such as the recently launched 24-hour tourism information hotline,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

According to Alpen Capital’s October 2012 GCC Hospitality Industry Report, Bahrain’s hospitality market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.8% between 2011 and 2016, with the relatively high growth attributed to opportunities for sector recovery following a challenging 2012, prompting forecasted tourism arrival CAGR growth of 2.9% through to 2022.

With around 75% of current hotel supply dominated by four and fivestar hotels, the future pipeline remains primarily focused on upscale properties, but chains like Rotana and Marriott International are introducing new mid-level brands to the market. At the higher end of the spectrum, a 260-room Wyndham Grand Manama is expected to open in Bahrain Bay by the end of 2013, followed by the 50-storey JW Marriott in 2016.

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Hotel Izmir Palas Atatürk Caddesi 35210 Izmir-Turkey. Tel:+90 232 465 00 30 Fax:+90 232 422 68 70info@izmirpalas.com.tr – www. izmirpalas.com.tr

News From Arab Market Marriott International opened a new 78-room Residence Inn in late 2012 and will debut the Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Island in 2013, with Rotana also opening its first Arjaan property this year.

The ATM 2013 road show will visit eight destinations over a two-week period this February, starting off in Kuwait and travelling to Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and the UAE, with the Bahrain event being held today (4th February 2013) at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain & Gulf Convention Centre.

Bahrain is also re-energising its transportation infrastructure as the GCC moves ahead with long term plans to create an integrated intra-regional rail network. The country’s rail master plan, which is currently being finalised, includes mainline connections to neighbouring Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well a domestic network encompassing metro, light rail and monorail options.

Plans will be realised by 2030 with the rapid road transit scheme and light rail network costing a proposed US$9.3 billion. The 90-kilometre link between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is expected to cost US$4.5 billion while long-awaited plans for the 40-kilometre causeway link to Qatar is now likely to come of age just in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The international airport is also due to begin work on its expansion programme this year, which will boost passenger capacity to 13.5 million visitors according to HVS Dubai’s Q2 2012 Middle East Hotel Survey, and is due for completion in 2015.

The total contribution of travel and tourism to Bahrain’s GDP is forecast to rise by 4.5% from US$3.97 billion (16.5% of GDP) in 2011 to US$6.16 billion (17.4%) by 2021, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Egypt Egypt and Iran sign a cooperation agreement for tourism

Iraq Over 2.5m tourists visited Iraq in 2012

Azzaman reports that more than 2.5 million tourists visited Iraq in 2012, most of them on pilgrimage to the country’s holy shrines.

Data issued by the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism show that Iraq has become a top destination for Muslim, mainly Shiite, tourist.

The numbers are reportedly the largest since the country opened its doors to tourism for the first time since the 1970s.

The ministry gave no details on the nationality of the tourists but most of them are believed to have come from predominantly-Shiite Iran, as well as other states with sizeable Shiite communities such Lebanon, Bahrain and Pakistan. An estimated 6,000 Iranian pilgrims cross the border into Iraq every day.

Official data did not say how profitable the industry is for the economy, but the main cities to benefit are Karbala (pictured) and Najaf, where most revered Shiite saints are said to be buried.

Jordan Turkish travelers to boost tourism in Jordan

Muhammad Sharif Malak Zada, president of the Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Iranian Tourism Organisation, and Egyptian Tourist Minister Hisham Zazu’a recently signed a tourism cooperation agreement in Cairo after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad’s recent visit to Egypt.

Both sides agreed to host tourist exchange programs through private tourist companies and travel agents.

President Ahmedinejad expressed his confidence that the Egyptian people would be able to overcome the problems currently facing them, stating that “the Egyptian people have always been world leaders and their efforts will be met with success”. After meeting Zazu’a, he added that the agreement would “serve the interests of peace, security and brotherhood in the region”.

He went on to say that when the Egyptian and Iranian people stand together there is nothing they cannot accomplish, describing the tourism sector as one of the most promising fields of cooperation between the two countries. Source: Daily News Egypt

20_May 2013

Jordan’s tourism is about to gain a significant boost from increased direct flights between Aqaba and Istanbul. The new route gives millions of Turkish travelers’ direct access to Jordan along with a superb location to three of the country’s key tourism attractions. “Our challenge is to grow and sustain demand to Aqaba in specific, and Jordan in general,” explained H.E. Sharhabeel S. Madi, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Commissioner for Economic Development and Investment Affairs, noting that, “The challenges are real and we have to do things differently to overcome them and sieve the growth opportunities.”

“The launch of Turkish Airlines Aqaba flights marks a historic moment for Aqaba; the first foreign international network carrier to make scheduled flights to Aqaba airport. Tremendous opportunities for tourism trade for Aqaba will emerge and be utilized through the Turkish Airlines network of 97 countries and 215 cities. Tourists and business men will have the convenience to travel directly to and from Aqaba from all around the world. With support of Aqaba Special Economic

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News From Arab Market Zone Authority (ASEZA), Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), USAID Jordan Tourism Development Project and representatives of the tourism industry we will help develop tourism and trade in Aqaba,” said Sedat Orman, Turkish Airlines General for Aqaba.” The new route is the result of efforts led by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) and the USAID Jordan Tourism Development Project in cooperation with Turkish Airlines. It will give millions of travelers’ direct access to Jordan through Aqaba, from where they can easily reach three of the country’s key tourism attractions.

Number of Petra visitors in February rises

“The tourism sector contributes a 13 % to the Gross Domestic Product in Jordan and creates thousands of jobs in Jordan”. Kawar further added, “the Jordanian market suffers from shortages in such specializations and needs 5,000 jobs per year in the tourism sector that does not necessarily need Bachelor degrees, whereas skilled to the job outcome Diplomas can be sufficient”. The institute will open its doors during these challenging times and when Jordanian youth are suffering from high unemployment and universities high fees and difficulties in securing placements at Universities “I hope this institute will be an added value to the educational & professional sector and will be the nucleus of other institutes in Jordan”.

Kuwait Kuwait to stopped transfer of visit visas to work permits from 1st April

Petra Archaeological Park (PAP) announced a total of 43,761 visitors of different nationalities came to Petra in February, at a 15 per cent increase compared with the figures recorded in the same month in 2012.

Among the visitors, 39,720 were foreigners, 3,865 Jordanians and 176 official guests and school and university students.

The city’s revenues generated from entry and service tickets amounted at JD850,000; an 18 per cent increase compared with the JD720,000 generated in February 2012. Source: FTN News

Petra Travel & Tourism Institute established Petra Arab Human Resources Development & Tourism Sciences Co ,PLL announced the establishment of its first specialized institute (Petra Travel & Tourism Institute) For Educating & Training Students , New entrant to the industry , and Individuals interested in a career change, in addition to current employees working in the industry with interest to developing and enhancing their career through obtaining certification and accreditation by Internationally recognized Organizations in various fields in travel, tourism and hospitality which is considered as a portable license to work anywhere in the world.

Mr. Ayman Samawi, General Manager of the Institute, emphasized that the establishment of this institute came after many years of studies and research, and can fill the gap in skilled and well trained workforce, locally & regionally, and has been accredited by various international institutions such as IATA as Approved Training Centre, Amadeus Certification as Education & Training provider in addition to many other international Organizations and awarding bodies.

Graduate students will obtain a diploma from IATA and Amadeus System User Certification which is considered to be the largest Global Distribution Systems (GDS) worldwide for Travel Agencies, Airlines, and Airports, bearing in mind that the institute has been licensed by Jordanian Ministry of Education.

The institute will start to receive students and trainees during the coming mid April of this year… Samawi added, “Qualified Educators with wide experience have been contracted from Jordan and abroad to educate and train students and trainees”.

The institute has been designed according to international standards to ensure proper educational environment taking into consideration the new modern standards of education, and is set for those students and trainees using state-of-the-art technologies and to ensure that excellent safety regulations are applied at the facilities.

Students will undergo three months of intense academic and practical training coupled with skills in Communication, English language, information technology (IT) and Customer Services, all courses set in syllabus deliverables that will ensure highly qualified graduates and ready for the job in Jordan and the region.

Institute Chairman; Mr. Wael Nasser Kawar, reiterated his excitement on this distinguished enterprise that has been accredited by international organizations which will contribute in creating job opportunities for Jordanians, locally and regionally. More courses will be added in the near future in various sectors of travel, tourism and hospitality.

22_May 2013

Kuwait plans to reduce the expatriate numbers in the country by half over the next decade.

The Social Affairs and Labour Minister, Thikra Al-Rashidi, mentioned that Kuwait is taking necessary measures to reduce the foreign worker numbers by 100,000 annually.

Such a move aims to restore the demographic equilibrium in Kuwait, bringing down the total number of expatriate workers to only one million in 10 years, Al-Rashidi said.

At present about two million expatriates, majority being Asians, are in the construction and service sectors, live in Kuwait, and the total population is estimated to be about three million.

A major step in this direction will be implemented on 1st April, when transfer of all forms of visit visas into work permits will be suspended.

However, foreigners whose applications have been already approved will not be affected by the decision.

Al-Rashidi said that hiring workers would be restricted to Kuwaitis and other GCC people, and that the recruitment would be from locally available pool. A special inspection team had been formed to ensure that employers remain committed to private sector regulations.

The GCC constitutes Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and United Arab Emirates. These nations have been depending on foreign workforce, particularly in the booming construction sector, menial work and services.

Several attempts by the Labour Ministers to cap the presence of expatriates citing security and unemployment-related concerns were earlier stopped by powerful business communities that warned of possible economic collapse. Source: Visit Kuwait

Morocco New director for Moroccan National Tourist Office in UK The Moroccan National Tourist Office has announced the appointment of Amine Boughaleb as its UK director. Boughaleb’s remit will include promoting Morocco as a destination that offers an unforgettable seaside and a unique cultural experience to British travellers. He has many years of experience within the travel and tourism sector, most recently having set up Select Travel & Event, a travel agency specialising in travel conferences and incentives for national and international clients. Previously he spent six years as associate director general at Partner Hotels, a collection of the finest hotels and Riads in Morocco.

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News From Arab Market

Oman Oman climbs 4 places in global tourism rankings

experience Oman offers. Moreover, our new office paves the way for more solid joint sales and marketing ventures between Omani and Saudi interests,” she added.

In 2012, travel guide publisher Lonely Planet named Muscat as the second best city to visit in the world. The city was also chosen as the capital of Arab Tourism for 2012 in honor of the diversity of its environment and its particular focus on cultural tourism, said the ministry in its statement. Oman’s Ministry of Tourism is pursuing stronger ties with key travel markets in the region such as Saudi to sustain the momentum and maintain Oman’s claim as a must-visit destination in the Middle East, it added.- Source : Oman Tourism News

Qatar Hamad International Airport opened in Qatar

Oman has been ranked 57th globally in World Economic Forum’s (WEF) travel and tourism competitiveness report, climbing four notches from 2011 when Oman was ranked 61st. The sultanate was ranked 68th in 2009.

The WEF report said that Oman has steadily climbed the global tourism rankings in the past few years, helped by increasing volumes of international tourist arrivals and tourism receipts.

According to WEF estimates, Oman’s travel and tourism industry grew to be worth an estimated US$2.11bn in 2012. The report has projected a 5.2 per cent average growth of the industry over a period from 2013-22.

The industry currently employs around 36,700 people and employment in the sector is expected to rise by 3.4 per cent annually over 2013-22.

The industry’s contribution to Oman’s GDP stood at 6.6 per cent in 2012, the report said.

This year’s report, published under the theme ‘Reducing Barriers to Economic Growth and Job Creation,’ explores and highlights the relevance of the travel and tourism industry in generating new jobs and fostering economic development, assessing 140 economies worldwide.

In the MENA region, Oman was placed fifth, while UAE and Qatar were ranked first and second. Bahrain was ranked fourth while Saudi Arabia and Kuwait ranked seventh and 12th, respectively, in the region.

“The travel and tourism industry has weathered the global downturn and is now playing an important role in helping tackle challenges like youth unemployment, economic development and environmental sustainability,” said Thea Chiesa, head of aviation, travel and tourism industries at WEF. “The challenge for the industry today is to maintain this contribution to economic growth and employment, while continuing to pursue the goals of facilitating global travel and tourism, thus protecting host cultures, identities and environment,” Chiesa added.

Source: Muscat Daily

Oman Tourism Ministry opens office in Riyadh The Oman tourism ministry has announced the opening of its representative office in Riyadh as part of the Sultanate’s plans to tap into the Kingdom’s image as a major outbound market in the GCC region. The average spending of Saudi tourists overseas ranks among the highest in the world. Another key factor in the decision to open the new office cited by the Ministry is the preference of Saudi travelers to take trips as a large family group.

The ministry’s new office will improve destination brand awareness among Saudi nationals and secure more participation in major local tourism and travel exhibitions and events held in the Kingdom, said a statement from the Oman ministry. Oman’s tourism sector will also benefit from joint marketing activities targeting the main holiday seasons, it stated. The Riyadh office will directly report to the Dubai office of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism and will take charge of planning for Saudi-targeted yearly marketing and activities.

“Our new Saudi presence will help Oman’s hospitality and tourism stakeholders gain a firmer foothold on the Kingdom’s outbound travel market, which is considered one of the most attractive in the world,” said Maitha Al Mahrouqi, the undersecretary of Oman Ministry of Tourism.

“The Riyadh office will also immensely improve communications with Saudi travel players who will learn more about the authentic Arabian

24_May 2013

Hamad International Airport (HIA) – Qatar’s brand new airport opened at April 2013 – a series of advanced passenger trials have been taking place at the new facility.

A further 2,500 people will go through trials to ensure a smooth and successful transition of operations of flights from the current Doha International Airport (DIA) to Hamad International Airport. Ten airlines started operating from Hamad International Airport on, while Qatar Airways, the main user of the facility, will switch its entire operations from DIA to HIA by the end of the year.

Hamad International is a modern, state-of-the-art airport, which will be Qatar’s new gateway to the world. Flights from the ten airlines will operate out of concourse B, and utilise the eastern runway, which is the larger of the two runways at HIA at just under 5,000 metres.

Positioned at the edge of the Arabian Gulf, Hamad International Airport’s tranquil waterside setting provides a perfect backdrop for its stylish architectural elements, underpinned by advanced airport systems.

Featuring two runways, among the longest in the world, a state-of-theart air traffic control tower, a stunning passenger terminal with a design capacity of 28 million passengers per year, over 25,000 square metres of retail and food & beverage facilities and a uniquely shaped public mosque, these are some key aspects of the modern airport complex.

At a reported cost of over US$15 billion, the airport will supersede the current Doha International Airport.

Record number of visitors attend 4-day Qatar International Food Festival

Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways, organisers of last week’s 4th Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) in Doha, expressed delight at the success of the event which attracted a record 72,000 visitors.

The four day festival was held at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, offering a stunning backdrop to the family friendly activities.

Entertainment and a host of signature activities were enjoyed by

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everyone as they feasted on the wonderful 5 star dishes served up some of Qatar’s finest hotels and restaurants.

A huge crowd pleaser was the Qatar Airways Cooking Theatre which was filled with enthusiastic audience members, happy to participate in cooking demonstrations conducted by a number of chefs over the four days, including Chef Ramzi Choueiri and Chef Vineet Bhatia, both of whom are culinary ambassadors for Qatar Airways.

QTA and Qatar Airways launched a contest on twitter to promote the event on social media. The response was enthusiastic with close to 2,000 tweeters participating from Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The three lucky winners; Linzi Gaston, Ahmed Fahed Al Kuwari and Jason Suen, each won a ticket to Dinner in the Sky, where they enjoyed a 3 course meal catered by W Hotel Doha seated at a table suspended 50 metres above ground.

Saudi Arabia The Kingdom is ranked 31st internationally on the contribution of tourism to GDP Dr. Ihsan Abu Halega, former member of Majlis Al Shura in the Kingdom, has pointed out that, the Kingdom is still far from fully exploiting its opportunities that are allowed by the tourism sector although it is ranked 31st in the world in 2011 on tourism’s contribution to Kingdom’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP). Abu Halega was addressing a session entitled “Saudi Tourism Competitiveness”, held within the events of STTIM-2013, on Monday, 1st April. International ranking of tourism in the Kingdom is based on the actual contribution of travel and tourism sector in GDP. “Tourism sector has witnessed remarkable investments by public and private sectors in an effort to diversify the activities of the national economy, not to be confined only to oil and gas products,” added Abu Halega. Abu Halega further said, that both the domestic and GCC tourists are still a major source of demand on tourism in the Kingdom. GCC countries have remarkably contributed to tourism in the Kingdom; the Emirates has contribute with (15%), and Kuwait with (9%) as major sources of inbound tourists to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2011. Abu Halega expected the government to spend around SR 300 billion to upgrade the key infrastructure of the Kingdom including road network, railways, and airports. “I expect during 2013 to 2020, the Kingdom to see a significant growth in investments of tourism with an annual rate reaching 6.9%,” he added. Abu Halega, on the other hand, urged to provide financial support to tourism projects. He said, “Absence of funding options led to many cases of delay or cancellation of a number of tourism projects in the Kingdom.” He also referred to the visa restrictions for entering the Kingdom which limits tourists flow, adding that, purposes of most of inbound tourism is religious or trade. Mohammad Al Towaim, Chairman of Consumer Protection Society, who raised an initiative of 13x13 under the slogan “Towards high-class and sustainable tourism”, saying “tourism sector cannot be developed properly unless being provided with strong infrastructure; highways subject to periodic maintenance, and equipped with necessary requirements of safety, security and comfort in addition to comfort and high-speed trains, large and modern network of airports, flexible and accurate national air transport”. Al Towaim urged Saudi businessmen who have large tourism investments in the world to shift their investments to the Kingdom. Also he urged the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority SAGIA to engage in productive partnership with SCTA and to give high priority to investment in tourism through encouraging Saudi businessmen to invest in tourism sector.

Al Towaim urged the thirteen provinces of the Kingdom in addition to tourism industry’s relevant authorities to engage in real partnership with SCTA for the interest of tourism. Saad Al Damin, Advisor of Arab Tourism Organization, said the Kingdom has been ranked the sixth in Arab World, and ranked sixty internationally in tourism and travel competitiveness according to the report of the World Economic Forum 2013. He also said the Kingdom ranked first in the world on comprehensive annual information on tourism and travel.Source: STTIM News

Galileo products and services will become available in the country with immediate effect.

The Tunisian launch is the latest milestone in Travelport’s expansion in Africa, where the GDS provider is now operating in 47 countries with more in the pipeline.

SIR Tunisie SARL will distribute the Galileo GDS platform to local travel agencies, providing them with industry-leading technology, access to the rich airline, hotel and car content as well as comprehensive training and support services. The launch of the Tunisian operation was marked with a special event held in Tunisian capital, Tunis, and attended by more than 200 industry guests including travel agents, airlines and government representatives.

“Africa – and especially North Africa – is a key strategic investment region for Travelport and this official launch of commercial operations in Tunisia serves as a testament to our commitment to this important part of the world,” said Rabih Saab, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Travelport, at the launch event. “With its extensive local market knowledge and technical expertise, our appointed distributor is very well positioned to grow Travelport’s business in region and effectively serve our new travel agency customers here.”

Turkey Istanbul receives record growth in Q1 2013 istanbul Istanbul Culture and Tourism Directorate announced record growth in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2013.

Istanbul received 838.201 international tourists in the first quarter of 2013 that accounts 23,8% increase compare to same period last year.

The directorate stated that the growth in arrivals is the highest of last 10 years.

According to the arrivals data, every 2 tourists out of 3 visit Istanbul between October 2012 and March 2013.

Top 5 nationalities that visit Istanbul are: Germany (10%), Russia (6%), UK (4%), USA (4%), and France (4%). Number of Arab tourists continues to increase.

Tunisia Travelport extends its reach to Tunisia Travelport is extending its footprint in Africa with a new distributor operation in Tunisia. The news follows the appointment of SIR Tunisie SARL as Travelport’s new partner in Tunisia and means that

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News From Arab Market Setur - Turkey’s Most Admired Company

U.A.E. World Travel Awards - final call for Middle East votes

Capital Magazine announced the “Turkey’s Most Admired Companies” with a ceremony on March 19, 2013 at Conrad Istanbul.

Setur has received the grand prize for the 6th time as Turkey’s Most Admired Company.

Setur General Manager Üstün Özbey received the award and said, “As the family of SETUR, we are encouraged to work more self-sacrificing after achieving success by meeting customer satisfaction with the service we offered, and products we provided. I thank Capital Magazine, our valued customers that contributed to the study, and all Setur Family that gained this success,”.

As a part of the Koç Holding, the significant successes Setur has been achieving in tourism sector since 1965 while reaching a broad customer portfolio with its expert staff and professional solutions make it one of the leading institutions in the whole sector. Setur presents services such as domestic and international flight ticket reservations, group and individual travel organizations, cruises, study abroad services, congress and seminar organizations, dealer meetings, helicopter and air taxi operations, all kinds of vehicle and boat rentals, incoming, and operation of duty free shops

Turkish Tourism Minister: The situation in Syria has a negative effect on Turkey

Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry held a press conference at ITB. Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ömer Çelik attended the conference. Çelik said that tourism is not only about mobility of people around the world but also is the destruction of psychological walls between peoples of different nations. Çelik stated that they do not prefer long-term strategies, but instead they need to develop short-term and efficient strategies.

Turkish descent Ilkay Gündoğan, who plays at Borussia Dortmund and German National football team, is introduced by Turkish minister as an ambassador of Turkish Culture and Tourism. Çelik added that Turkish tourism revenues remain strong, but Turkey and others in the region, are counting the cost of Syria’s civil war: “The situation in Syria has a negative effect on Turkey and also for Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, the entire region. All of what is happening there is having a negative effect on regional peace and tourism as well,” said Çelik.

The Sharjah pavilion at the ITB (International Tourism Bourse) in Berlin saw a heavy turnout of dignitaries, European media and international exhibitors and delegates including the UAE’s ambassador to Germany HE Jumaa Mubarak Al Juniabi and Berlin Mayor HE Klaus Wowereit.

26_May 2013

The World Travel Awards - Middle East have become a hot ticket on the agenda for Awards across a myriad of categories in this tourism hub.

Firmly established as the leading Awards ceremony around the globe, World Travel Awards is celebrating its “iconic” 20th year in the business of awarding prestigious accolades. In the Middle East, over 120 Award categories will see Tourism market leaders vying for the prestigious top Awards at a glittering Ceremony, where temperatures are set to rise in this fiercely competitive world tourism region on May 5th at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa. WTA’s 2013 Grand Tour will include regional legs in the Maldives, Dubai (UAE), Antalya (Turkey), Kenya, Peru, Antigua and Singapore throughout the year. The winners of these regional heats will progress to the Grand Final, which will take place at the end of 2013.

The ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international media.

The 2013 Middle East nominees are published at: www. worldtravelawards.com/nominees/2013/middle-east.

MENA chain hotels market review

Hotels in Abu Dhabi capitalised on a surge in demand in February driven by major events, boosting RevPAR by 43% and profits by 72.9%, according to the latest HotStats survey of full service four and five star hotels by TRI Hospitality Consulting.

Abu Dhabi hotels reported significant growth in top line and bottom line performance in February as the city moved into peak leisure and MICE tourist season. Occupancy levels in the capital shot up 18.6 percentage points compared to the same period last year to 80.8% and Average Room Rate (ARR) increased 10.0% to US$203.30, leading to a 43.0% increase in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR). Total Revenue per Available Room (TRevPAR) for the month was up 36.4% to US$323.95 and the payroll dropped by 6.6 percentage points, boosting the Gross Operating Profit per Available Room (GOPPAR) by 72.9% to US$126.21.

Hotels in Dubai reported stellar performance during the month of February as the city hosted a plethora of events and attracted an increasing number of international travellers, lifting occupancy 5.3 percentage points to 90.1%.

Dubai hotels maintained the highest Average Room Rate (ARR) in the region at US$334.79, resulting in 10.3% growth in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) to US$301.7. An increase in leisure demand in the city boosted

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food and beverage revenues 9.3% and 9.5% respectively and Total Revenue per Available Room (TRevPAR) up by 11.0% to US$523.86. In terms of profit, Dubai hotels reported a 12.7% growth in Gross Operating Profits per Available Room (GOPPAR) to US$261.08.

Dubai continues to be the star player in the region as the city records the second consecutive month where occupancy levels are above 90 percent.

Increased economic activity within the city coupled with a consistent rise in visitor numbers have been driving demand for Dubai’s hotels. Dubai Airport 11.4% growth in passenger numbers in February gave the hotel market an extra boost, particularly from Eastern Europe, which saw a 29% rise in passengers. n Kuwait, hotels registered a 6.4 percentage point increase in occupancy in February to 60.0% and 7.5% increase in ARR to US$273.92 driven by an increase in both corporate and leisure demand. The city hosted this year’s Hala February festival during the month which is a strong catalyst for domestic tourism in Kuwait, encouraging local spending and growth in food and beverage demand. The city also celebrated its national day during the month of February, further boosting hotel performances as residents took advantage of an extended weekend to vacation in the city.

Consequently, the citywide RevPAR was 20.4% higher compared to last year at US$164.27 and F&B revenues increased 46.6%, boosting TRevPAR by 23.8% to US$350.43 and GOPPAR up by 34.9% to US$161.97.

Hotel performance in Egypt continue to recover; Jeddah figures up as Umrah season begins Egypt hotels continued to show recovery in performance while in Saudi Arabia, room rates in Jeddah are up 11.2% as this year’s Umrah season kicks off, according to the latest HotStats survey of full service four and five star hotels by TRI Hospitality Consulting.

In Sharm el Sheikh, hotel performance indicators showed notable growth over the same period last year highlighting the continuing recovery in tourist arrivals to Egypt. Occupancy levels across the four and five star hotels surveyed by HotStats increased 7.7 percentage points to 56.8%, and ARR and RevPAR increased 9.7% and 26.9% to USUS$40.78 and US$23.13 respectively.

In addition, hotels also reported notable growth in F&B revenues and 52.9% increase in meeting room revenues, resulting in a 27.3% increase in TRevPAR to US$47.93. On the bottom line, this resulted in a 71.2% increase in GOPPAR to US$15.27.

In Cairo, occupancy levels remained largely unchanged at 42.6%, however a 10.9% growth in ARR to US$112.69 boosted RevPAR by 12.3% to US$47.96.

The overall improvement in hotel performance in both Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh is attributed to the increase in leisure demand, mainly from Europe as a growing number of travellers take advantage of the better exchange rates and lower prices to travel to Egypt. In Cairo, the higher RevPAR boosted TRevPAR levels up by 6.5% to US$87.87 and GOPPAR up 9.1% to US$33.7.

“Sharm el Sheikh continues to attract a growing number of visitors, particularly UK nationals who benefited from the week-long holiday in mid-February, to escape harsh winter conditions at reasonable prices.

Package deals to Egypt often incorporate a few nights in Cairo, providing hotels in the capital with a much needed boost in revenues”, commented Peter Goddard, Managing Director at TRI Hospitality Consulting in Dubai. In Saudi Arabia, however, the two main markets – Jeddah and Riyadh – saw varying performance trends. Hotels in Jeddah registered growth across major performance indicators despite a marginal drop in occupancy which was down 1.3 percentage points to 78.2%. ARR for the month was up 11.2% to US$237.37 allowing a 9.4% increase in RevPAR to US$185.69. The growth in performance is attributed mainly to the start of the Umrah season. Consequently, Jeddah hotels reported a 9.4% increase in TRevPAR to US$298.83, partly assisted by strong growth in food and beverage revenues, and a 10.8% growth in GOPPAR which stood at US$135.61 during the month.

Riyadh’s hotel performances remained stable compared to last year in spite of a 3.0 percentage points increase in occupancy to 74.3 percent. ARR across the market witnessed a 3.3% decline to US$250.48, believed to be mainly driven by the increased competition including from a growing number of midmarket hotels across the city. Nevertheless, the growth in occupancy helped the hotels achieve a 0.8% growth in RevPAR to US$185.97 and 1.5% growth in TRevPAR to US$299.39. However, the higher payroll cost for the month negated the gain in revenues, leaving GOPPAR at US$173.81, up just 0.1% compared to last year.

“Hotels in Jeddah are likely to see continued growth in demand in the coming months, both from business, leisure and religious visitors. Muslim pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah represent a fast growing segment, and Jeddah, being the main port of entry for the pilgrims to the holy cities, will continue to benefit from this as many pilgrims spend 1-2 days in Jeddah on their return trip to relax and do some last minute shopping” commented Goddard.

The MENA Chain Hotels sample is composed of 108 hotels with an average hotel size of 325 bedrooms. The hotels profiled in this report are drawn from the HotStats database and reflect the portfolios and distribution of the hotel chains that we survey and which operate primarily in the four and five-star sectors.

comparison, although average villa sales prices only climbed 5% in Q1 2013, growth over the past 12 months averaged 24%.

The performance of rental rates was also impressive, average apartment and villa rents grew by 3 and 4% compared to Q4 2012, but still managed to climb 19 and 21% respectively over the past 12 months.

The areas that came out on top for villa sales in Q1 2013 were the Meadows which jumped 10% reaching AED11,850 per square metre; Jumeirah Islands which rose 9% achieving AED13,450 per square metre and the Jumeirah Village which also grew 9% to AED6,450 per square metre. Year-on-year villa sales in the Springs grew by 29% to AED 9,700 per square metre and the Palm Jumeirah remains the most expensive at AED20,450 per square metre.

In terms of apartment sales the top performer in Q1 2013 was Discovery Gardens which increased by 33% to AED 6,450 per square metre. The only other double-digit growth was recorded in Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, where rates grew 14 and 15% respectively to AED 12,900 and AED 12,400. Over the past 12 months once again Discovery Gardens was the top achiever climbing an impressive 50% and again the Palm Jumeirah is the most expensive area with property commanding AED16,150 per square metre compared with apartments in DIFC and Downtown Dubai, which now change hands for AED 15,600 and 15,000 per square metre respectively. The Palm Jumeirah remains the most expensive area, with a three-bedroom villa now costing AED 325,000 per annum.

Apartment rental rates grew most during Q1 2013 in International City where a two-bedroom unit increased by 8% to AED 40,000, while most other areas recorded up to 3% growth. However on an annual basis, a two-bedroom unit in Discovery Gardens now leases for AED 70,000 a 27% increase. Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina followed, notchingup increases of 21 and 22% respectively. A two-bedroom apartment in these developments rents on average for between AED 100,000 and AED 125,000.

Although the commercial market saw little movement during 2012, it did show some signs of life in Q1 2013. Rental rates in Dubai Investments Park rose 13% to AED 485 per square metre, while JLT and Tecom rose 20 and 25% respectively to command AED 654 to AED 800 per square metre compared to the same period last year. DIFC remains the premium destination for office rental with AED 2,400 per square foot. Q1 2013 office sales prices grew most notably in JLT (9%) and Business Bay (7%).

Road Changes at Abu Dhabi International Airport As of 7th April until 6th June 2013, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) will be diverting entry and exit roads leading to Abu Dhabi International Airport. During this period, alternative roads to the terminals will be open and entry to both terminals for all drop-offs, and arriving and departing travelers, will be temporarily moved to the lower levels.

As of 7th April until 6th June 2013, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) will be diverting entry and exit roads leading to Abu Dhabi International Airport. During this period, alternative roads to the terminals will be open and entry to both terminals for all drop-offs, and arriving and departing travelers, will be temporarily moved to the lower levels.

All passengers and visitors coming to the airport to drop off or pick up passengers are advised to take routes as directed near the airport and to park in the airport’s car parks, and then proceed to the lower level gates for Terminals 1 and 3. ADAC will offer all visitors free parking for the first hour at all of its car park facilities throughout the duration of this diversion. All visitors are advised to check the new alternative routes to and from the airport towards Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Yas Island.

Dubai real estate prices up All residential developments in Dubai, especially those with quality buildings or those in prime areas, have continued where they ended 2012 with a strong Q1 2013 performance.

Apartment sales prices grew on average by 12% in the three months to the end of March 2013 with year-on-year growth standing at 27%. In

A&T Travel Magazine

May 2013_27

News From Arab Market Sharjah’s Initiative a boost to MICE tourism sector

HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has underscored the importance of events that present Sharjah as a perfect tourism destination and ideal venue for international conferences and exhibitions or MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) sector thanks to its modern infrastructure, strategic location, well-connected international airport, free trade zones and a conducive economic environment attracting businessmen and investors.

This came in his remarks on the occasion of the second Sharjah Government Communication Forum being held under the theme, Effective Communication…Unified Message. Held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the forum is being attended by a galaxy of world figures, prominent Arab leaders and international media representatives coming together to discuss the mechanisms of the government communication strategies and development in the region.

Al Noman said that forums and events like these reinforce the

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hospitality sector in the emirate, which has been experiencing a surge in Sharjah combined with a marked increase in the number of hotel guests in recent times. Sharjah’s hotels are all full as the season coincides with the Sharjah Government Communication Forum attracting more than 500 world leaders, heads and representatives of governments and top Arab and international media representatives from across the region and beyond.

Al Noman emphasised that the Authority is keen to support and sponsor events like the Government Communication Forum, which the SCTDA is formally sponsoring, to promote public dialogue and communication besides helping increase the awareness and understanding about dealing with local and international media among government officials and various institutions and local government bodies in the emirate.

The SCTDA, which is sponsoring the Sharjah Government Communication Forum in its second year, has made available its various publications and promotional literature highlighting the emirate’s tourism sector and its rich heritage and culture at the Forum, said Al Noman. Visitors from around the world can get a quick peek into what makes Sharjah a unique family tourism destination and why the emirate earned itself the recent honour of being selected as “the Arab Tourism Capital for 2015.”

The Sharjah Government Communication Forum is a key step towards the development of Government Communication and crystallization platform making credible dialogue and exchange of views possible and discussing best practices in government communication in the Arab countries and the world. The initiative is aimed at evolving channels of communication between governments and the public and improving the performance of government officials and various government agencies.

Turkish Airlines adds Red Sea resorts to their destinations.Recent addition of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh as new flight destinations for Egypt.

Mehmet Mulayim Radisson Blu Hotel, Kayseri Genel Müdürü oldu.

Hotel Su’nun yeni Genel Müdürü Kurtuluş Gülşen.

Suvat Avcı Vogue Bodrum otel pazarlama müdürü oldu.

Qatar Airways announced plans to launch scheduled flights to a further two destinations in the Republic of Iraq from this summer.

Divan İstanbul Asia’nın “Otel Müdürü” görevine Merve Kadıoğlu atandı.

Turkish Airlines began service to Aqaba, Jordan at April 3.

Silence İstanbul Hotels&Convention Center’ın F&B Yöneticiliği görevine Şahin Akgül getirildi.

Arcan Bayraktaroğlu Marriott Baskanlık ödülünü alarak grubtan aldığı ödüllere bir yenisini ekledi.

Güniz Atış Lütfi Kırdar Genel Koordinatörü olarak görev yapacak.

DoubleTree by Hilton İstanbul-Avcılar Oteli’nin Genel Müdürlüğü’ne Cihat Çiçek getirildi.

Air Cairo introduces new service to Riyadh.

Qatar Airways announces its fifth new route of 2013 to the Sultanate of Oman’s second largest city – the popular tourist destination of Salalah – effective May 22.

Jazeera Airways announced the return of seasonal scheduled flights for summer between Kuwait and Istanbul. Flights to the Istanbul began on March 31st.

Etihad Airways launches daily Washington, D.C. Dedeman otelleri Dedeman Şanlıurfa genel müdürlüğüne Berati Tuncer’in atandığını anons etti.

Emirates and Qantas Welcome ACCC Decision on Partnership.

Double Decker Pub at Al Murooj Rotana Dubai Wins Best Entertainment Venue at Sports Industry Awards 2013.

Can Ünlüer Divan Ankara otel genel müdürlüğüne atandı.

Yelda Ülker Martı Istanbul otelin satış ve pazarlamadan sorumlu yeni genel müdür yardımcısı oldu.

Leon Baum Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul’un yeni otel müdürü oldu.

Valentin Schoubs Sheraton Bursa ve Aloft Bursa’nın genel müdürlüğüne getirildi.

Hakan Duran’ın ayrılmasından sonra Cornelia De Luxe Resort Otel Genel Müdürlüğü’ne Cornelia Golf Müdürü olarak görev yapan Ali Şahin getirildi.

Air Arabia launches service from Sharjah to Baghdad.

Levent Cengiz JW Marriott Ankara’nın yeni Satış ve Pazarlama Direktörü oldu.

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Levent Cengiz

Mehmet Mulayim

Merve Kadioglu

Sahin Akgul

Suvat Avci

Orhun Inkaya

Fuat Koroglu

A&T Travel Magazine

Exhibition

ATM-Dubai ATM 2012 recorded a 7% increase in exhibitors for this year’s event ahead of the start of the show, with more than 21,000 square meters of floor

A&T Travel Magazine

space hosting over 2,400 exhibitors and 82 new companies. This increase was also reflected in its international reach with 54 national pavilions and 87 countries represented overall.

Turkey is successfully presented in the 4 day Arabian Travel Market.

Turkey aggressively promoted in

Dubai, covering Turkey advertisements at the walls of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center which hosted Arabian Travel Market 2012 and badge neck ropes with Turkey logos helped to promote the country.

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Exhibition

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Focus On TURKEY NEWS

NewFocus

November & December’2011

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